What types of smoke detectors are there?

All new smoke detectors are optical smoke detectors. The sensor of a smoke detector uses infrared light to detect smoke. If the sensor detects smoke, the alarm sounds. This ensures that the smoke detector detects smoke in time. It'd be wise to install at least 1 smoke detector on every floor of your house. Note: the sensor is sensitive to dust and water vapor. That's why you should clean the smoke detector regularly and shouldn't mount it too close to the bathroom.

A carbon monoxide detector detects carbon monoxide. This is a dangerous gas without color, taste and odor. Carbon monoxide is produced by obsolete or malfunctioning boilers, geysers and stoves. The gas is released in the event of incomplete combustion of fuels, such as oil or natural gas. Since you don't smell, taste, or see carbon monoxide, you won't notice if you get carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, use a carbon monoxide detector, which warns you in time when the gas arises. Place the detector at eye level, at a maximum of 1.5 meters from the heat source.

A heat detector detects high temperatures instead of smoke. This is useful if the smoke detector is in a room where there's smoke often, such as a kitchen. In the kitchen, smoke doesn't always mean fire. That's why you should choose a heat detector instead of a smoke detector in these types of spaces. Still, place a smoke detector in every room that's part of an escape route. Heat detectors detect temperatures above 60°C. This way, you'll still be warned in case of a fire.

A combination detector measures 2 different substances at the same time. This is often a combination of smoke and carbon monoxide. With this type of combination detectors, it's important to think carefully about the placement. To detect carbon monoxide in time, place it at eye level near your boiler or stove. To detect smoke, place the detector higher on the wall or ceiling. Many combination detectors are linkable. Link several detectors together to optimally protect your home.